The western United States was like a new country in the Antebellum Era. Communities and cities were small and very locally oriented until gold was discovered in California. The gold rush began, and cities experienced explosive population growth in a short period of time. With the increase in population, most cities found themselves unprepared to deal with the problems associated with the influx. Many communities at wits’ end because of the increase in crime took it upon themselves to address the issue of community safety.
WESTERN JUSTICE IN ANTEBELLUM AMERICA NEXT WEEK!!!